When faced with the possible repercussions of Parkinson’s disease, the first question asked is if there is a way to stop the disease or even reverse the effects of the disease. Though there are many promising advancements in the medical field, there is no clear response to this question.

Here at Royal Care Neurosciences, we understand the importance of honest and straightforward information and the value of this information when creating informed choices. Gaining an understanding of what is possible currently, and what is not, is beneficial in creating a plan to constructively cope with the deterioration of the disease.

Parkinson’s Disease is Defined

Parkinson’s disease is a dangerous disease that attacks the nervous system. It systematically removes the body’s ability to move. It begins with the slow and painful degeneration of the nerve cells in the brain. Suffice to say, these brain cells are the controllers of movement. They need to receive a specific chemical, such as dopamine, in order to function, and as these chemical levels decrease, the disease’s debilitating effects begin to worsen.

Effects of Parkinson’s Disease

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be classified into two categories. One, motor functions, and two, everything else.

Motor Symptoms

• Tremors, usually beginning in one hand
• Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
• Muscle rigidity
• Problems with balance and posture
• Expressionless face

Non-Motor Symptoms

• Loss of sense of smell
• Sleep problems
• Constipation
• Anxiety/Depression
• Exhaustion

Symptoms usually develop slowly over time, so it’s easy to miss them in the beginning.

How is Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease is more of a process than it is a single test.

• Medical history
• Neurologic exam (look at movement, coordination, reflexes)
• If the person responds to Parkinson’s medicines, it’s a strong indication they have Parkinson’s Disease
• Imaging studies. MRIs or other specialized tests may help

Patients who receive a diagnosis early on are more able to take proactive and organized approaches.

Can Parkinson’s Disease Be Cured?

Currently, there is no way to cure Parkinson’s Disease. This means no available way to cease or reverse the condition at all.

Although that doesn’t mean that there is nothing which can be done, modern approaches can control symptoms and help one to enjoy a good quality of life for many years.

Surgical options, such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), can improve movement and minimize pain. However, these options, along with medications and therapies, are temporary solutions and do not fix the disease.

Some examples of treatments still being explored are: gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and treatments to protect the developing nervous system. Although these potential treatments have not been fully studied, they are still being researched to improve overall PD management.

Can Parkinson’s Disease Be Prevented?

The ability to prevent the disease is not fully possible. Since the cause of Parkinson’s Disease is not known, preventative measures are difficult. Most experts believe that PD is the result of a combination of genetic and environmental causes.

The maintenance of a healthy lifestyle can improve overall brain health.

Factors That May Influence Risk

1. Genetics
Only a small portion of the cases are attributed to the genetic makeup. Even though there is a recorded family history of the disease, the odds of getting the disease are not certain.

2. Environmental Exposure
Higher incidence rates of Parkinson’s Disease are caused by chemical toxins, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. Exposure to these elements should be avoided.

3. Age
Your chances of developing Parkinson’s Disease grow with age. After 60, the chances grow significantly.

4. Head Injuries
Having multiple severe head injuries increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease as you grow older.

Ways to Possibly Lower the Risk

• Regular Physical Activity
• Balanced Diet
• Detox
• Head Protection

While these suggestions won’t guarantee that Parkinson’s Disease will be avoided, they will contribute to health.

Why Prevention Is So Important

• More Control of Symptoms
• More Mobility and Function to Complete Damaging Activities
• Better Control of Advancing Possibilities
• The Level of Care Provided Is Better

More immediate recognition will usually lead to more immediate and profound effects.

Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease

• Medications help with symptoms.
• Therapies help with movement and speech.
• Modifications to lifestyle help in general
• Emotional and social support are beneficial.
• A positive and proactive mindset improves quality of life.

Conclusion

Managing Parkinson’s disease is possible, even though there is no cure at this point. Supportive care, in combination with medical treatment, has enabled many to sustain their independence and quality of life.

Knowing enough about the disease, practicing good lifestyle habits, and catching symptoms early contribute to effective management. We have dedicated ourselves to meeting all of your care, instruction, and support needs at all levels and stages of your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there hope to cure Parkinson’s disease in the future?
While we hope there is ongoing research to cure Parkinson’s, we cannot say this is a certainty.

2. Does exercising help in the prevention of Parkinson’s disease?
While exercise cannot make prevention a certainty, it does help the brain and can support a decreased likelihood.

3. Is the disease always passed down genetically?
The disease is not frequently passed genetically, and in fact, genetics comprise only a small fraction.